Pakistan Hosts High-Stakes US-Iran Talks as Ceasefire Looms
A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Asim Munir, has arrived in Tehran to facilitate fresh negotiations between Iran and the United States, with a fragile truce set to expire on April 22.
The talks aim to address key issues, including Iran's nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also joining mediation efforts in Tehran.
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about a potential deal, stating that the world should brace for an “amazing two days” as the war with Iran is close to over. The White House has also indicated that additional talks with Iran would likely go forward in Islamabad.
Despite these developments, US military maintains its naval blockade on all Iranian ports, which Iran's military has slammed as a violation of the ceasefire. Iran has threatened to retaliate by blocking trade through the Red Sea, Gulf, and Sea of Oman if the US does not lift its blockade.
Mediators are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points – Iran's nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. Sources indicate that Pakistani mediators are optimistic about a potential major breakthrough on the nuclear front.